‘Citizen Runner’ Kawauchi Breaks World Record

He became the first runner to complete two sub-2:10 marathons in two weeks.

In Japan, Yuki Kawauchi is a legend.

The famous “Citizen Runner” (he holds down a full-time job and was not able to run as part of his country’s corporate system) recently did what some thought was impossible: clocking two sub-2:10 marathons in the span of two weeks — a world record.

Kawauchi finished third at last Sunday’s Hofu Yomiuri Marathon with an impressive time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 5 seconds.

Despite these speedy times, Kawauchi has yet to break 2:08 for the 26.2-mile distance.

At last Sunday’s race, he had made his goal to break the world record as opposed to winning.

“It was disappointing to lose, but more than competing I was here to run the time,” he said. “I’m really happy that I broke 2:10 again. Next year I’ll be back to win!”

Kawauchi is now setting his sights on bettering his PR and finishing sixth or better in a major marathon.